LaTonya Sims was asked if the University of Wisconsin women's basketball team will have one of the top frontcourts in the Big Ten Conference -- if not the nation -- this season.

The answer, it appeared, was a no-brainer.

After all, Sims, a junior forward, earned first-team all-conference honors last season. At the other forward spot will be sophomore Jessie Stomski, the 1999 Big Ten freshman of the year. And at center, 6-foot-4 freshman Nina Smith, last season's national prep player of the year, will get plenty of playing time.

On paper, this unit's potential looks unlimited.

"Paper doesn't mean anything to me,'' said Sims, who averaged 18.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season. "We're going to be good, but we're going to have  Stomski to wait and see if we're one of the best.''

Smith, playing the role of the quiet freshman, wasn't about to challenge Sims' statement.

The flamboyant Stomski, however, had no such trouble.

"Maybe I'll be the cocky one,'' the sophomore power forward said. "But, yeah, we're going to be good. I think that teams are going to look at our frontcourt and say, `We have to figure out how to stop them.' And if they don't ... ''

Stomski didn't have to continue. By now, Smith felt comfortable enough to speak her mind.

"I know that if me and Jessie and LaTonya are in there, there is no way that teams can stop all three of us,'' said the physically imposing Smith.

While the Badgers also must get solid guard play this season if they hope to improve upon last year's 18-14 record, there is no disputing the fact that UW's strength entering the 1999-2000 campaign is in the frontcourt.

"I would say that group has the potential®MD-IT¯ to be great,'' said UW coach Jane Albright.

Sims will move to the small forward spot on a full-time basis this season after spending parts of the past two years posting up down low. Facing the basket is where Sims, who was recruited out of Racine Park High School three years ago to fill UW's void at small forward, should flourish.

Since arriving at the UW, the lanky 6-foot-3 Sims has been the team's best slasher. She worked hard over the summer on her outside jumper and left hand, and should be one of the top players in the Big Ten. The 1998 Big Ten freshman of the year has scored in double figures in 44 straight games.

"Outside (at small forward), she'll really be able to use her ability and speed and quickness,'' Albright said. "I think this will only help her game. She has a lot more confidence out there.''

Stomski worked hard on her conditioning over the summer, and the 6-foot-3, Oakdale, Minn., native has looked leaner and more versatile during early-season practices. A year ago, Stomski broke Sims' UW freshman scoring record with 459 points and tied Sims' freshman rebounding mark of 214.

While she thrived in the low post, Stomski now has the ability to hit the 15-foot jumper, the agility to drive to the basket and the touch to feed the ball down low from the high post. All indications are she will be an even better player this season.

"I worked on my mid-range game over the summer,'' said Stomski. "Driving to the basket and jump shots. And with Nina, I won't always have the biggest defender on me anymore, like last year. So, I should still be able to take advantage of some things in the post.''

Smith and senior Missy Konieczny are battling for the starting center position. Konieczny, the former Portage star, isn't flashy but always seems to get the job done when called upon. Konieczny averaged 4.7 points and 2.6 rebounds, and shot a team-best 74.7 percent from the floor last year.

Even if Konieczny earns the start, Smith will see plenty of action. Smith has shown great hands, power and touch around the basket during practices, and has an excellent shot at being named UW's third straight Big Ten freshman of the year.

"The biggest adjustments for me so far have been mentally,'' Smith said. "I don't know much about man-to-man defense and things like that. I'm still trying to learn all the plays and get some chemistry going with my teammates.''

Sophomore Tamara Moore, who will play a lot at guard, will spell Sims at small forward. In addition, freshman Kristi Seeger, the former Stoughton standout, may see some action at small forward, too.

Krista Bird, a 6-3 junior who has been limited by injuries her first two seasons, will get a shot at playing time down low.

Like the team as a whole, the UW frontcourt struggled with turnovers and wasn't consistent rebounding the ball a year ago. Those areas need to improve if the Badgers hope to reach their goals this season.

But the Badgers' frontcourt could be an exceptional unit.

"I personally don't look at it like we have to carry the team,'' Sims said. "It's a team thing.

"I think the main thing will be developing chemistry and learning to play together. But if we can do that ... ''

She didn't have to finish her thought.